AVP Technology Risk

by Canada Life

Reference #: 4875
Position Type: Regular, Full-time
Remote work options: Hybrid
Location: London, Ontario
Date Posted: Dec 02, 2025
Canada Life

Job Description

 

Permanent Full Time 

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Technology redefines the way we work and deliver to meet business needs and elevates the customer experience. You’ll be part of an organization that is embracing modern technology, innovation and agile ways of working.?  

 

Our Canada Technology team is a strategic partner in our business – with an ambition to be a forward-thinking, agile technology organization delivering secure, resilient and leading solutions that support Canada Life and the well-being of millions of Canadians. 

 

We are looking for an AVP, Technology Risk. 

 

The AVP, Technology Risk is a First Line of Defense (1B) role and reports to the VP, Technology Risk Governance and Control. 

 

This role will work with senior leadership in executing proactive and effective Technology risk management practices across the Canada Technology organization, helping technology teams embed a risk management culture into delivery and support as technology drives toward meeting business objectives.  This includes providing a holistic view of the organization’s overall technology risk posture and helping us operate within the risk appetite established for Technology Risk.  

 

Further, this role will be responsible for leading the continued development and adoption of technology controls and operating standards; ensuring that technology risks are clearly understood, controls are implemented to mitigate those risks and continuous monitoring is established to measure control effectiveness.   

 

What you will do  

 

  • Provide leadership and direction for the company to advance Technology Risk Governance policies, practices and operating model 

  • Support Technology teams in the design, implementation, operation and continuous monitoring of controls that reduce a broad spectrum of technology operational risks 

  • Build and maintain a governance structure with appropriate committees and stakeholder groups 

  • Lead the development and adoption of policies and operating standards; enforce compliance and run ongoing monitoring of compliance with policies and standards across all levels of the organization 

  • Lead the development and evolution of Canada Life’s technology issues and audit management processes 

  • Partner with Technology leaders to develop business cases for the introduction, or expansion of risk capabilities and services governance 

  • Lead the Technology Risk & Control identification process across all of Canada Life organization 

  • Support the 1A in conducting Risk & Control Assessment across all of Canada Life organization 

  • Advance innovation strategy including automated control testing and the use of AI 

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of key risk indicators (KRIs), control indicators, and reporting to measure risk and highlight areas of concern 

  • Foster, advocate for, and strengthen Canada Life’s overall technology risk posture  

  • Lead a Line 1B team of technology risk professionals to achieve and surpass personal and team objectives 

  • Support regulatory and related reporting 

  • Support audit activities including ITGC testing 

  

What you will bring   

 

  • 10+ years’ experience in a similar technology risk leadership position 

  • 5-10 years of experience in varied senior security related leadership positions would be an asset. 

  • 5-10 years of experience of in the financial services industry or in a large organization 

  • 5-10 years of experience within the area of risk, compliance or governance specific to Information Services. 

  • Understanding of technology risk regulatory, best practices and industry best practices 

  • Experience building and working in matrix and complex organizations with demonstrated ability to influence teams where resources do not all report directly into the function. 

  • Skilled leader with exceptional communication abilities, collaboration and relationship building skills establishing credibility and fostering cross-functional relationships. 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills needed to effectively build relationships and communicate with Executives, internals stakeholders, and customers. 

  • Constant learner and passion for technology and risk governance 

  • Deep understanding of how large enterprise organizations work, within in a regulated environment 

  • Proven ability to identify, analyze and translate risk in the context of what it means to achieving business objectives 

  • Familiarity working with a Business Information Security Office (BISO) model 

  • Ability to attract, motivate and develop talent to build the right team to meet strategic direction and tomorrow’s needs 

  • Extensive knowledge of Cyber and Technology Risk Governance and Control frameworks/standards (i.e., COBIT, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, ITL, etc.) 

  • Certifications in CISSP, CISA, CISM, CRISC would be an asset 

 

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today!

 

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

 

You can be your best here. You’re part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

 

Together, as part of a great team, you’ll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It’s our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that’s trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing.

 

Canada Life serves?the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we’re one of Canada’s leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations.?

 

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee?has the opportunity to?reach their potential.?

 

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.

 

Canada Life?would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

 

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